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Zika Virus is no
longer considered a global health emergency according to the World Health
Organisation in Late-November 2016 because the virus is a dangerous
mosquito-borne disease and should now be viewed as an ongoing threat.

The growth and spread of mosquito-borne diseases throughout the world has meant areas that were once considered relatively safe destinations are now under threat from virus infections not previously seen before. Mosquitoes thrive on every continent except Antarctica so no matter where you intend to travel, getting bitten seems almost inevitable.

While 85% of mosquitoes' attraction to us is to do with genetics, which we can’t control i.e. genes dictate our blood type and the chemical makeup of our skin. We can control environmental factors like what we wear and our alcohol intake. Avoid mosquito bites with Mega-Catch's™ guide on how NOT to attract mosquitoes.

Researchers estimate about four out of five people infected with Zika virus don’t know they have it. Common signs to look out for include a slight fever, rash, conjunctivitis, headache as well as joint and muscle pain

Mosquitoes are highly visual, especially later in the afternoon, when their first mode of search for humans is through vision. However there’s plenty you can do to avoid an onslaught of mosquito bites at your next outdoor gathering.

If they’re not properly maintained, swimming pools can quickly become mosquito breeding sites, creating a nuisance for both yourself and your neighbors. Here’s some tips on how to keep mosquitoes away.

Not all mosquitoes die off or migrate like birds. Some species seek out basements, storm sewers, stables, hollow logs or animal burrows in which to hibernate and hide out from the cold. Others do die, but lay their eggs in freezing water beforehand, where they lie on the ground like seeds, waiting for warm weather and spring rains to hatch and produce the next generation.

Biting midges or no-see-ums, often fly in swarms and are ferocious biters. Like mosquitoes, only female midges bite, taking blood to provide a source of protein for their eggs. Females typically bite at dawn or dusk, often in dense swarms, and usually in the vicinity of water, marshes or rotting vegetation. Where they bite you will depend on the species. Some species will attack you around the head and eyes, while others attack the ankles, often crawling up the body under clothes.

After a spike in West Nile virus cases, everyone is on high alert for a resurgence of the disease. Because most infections occur between June and September, hitting their peak in August, ongoing preventive measures are essential. So keep your traps running, slap on the bug spray and try and stay indoors after dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Mark the American Mosquito Control Association’s (AMCA) National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 24-30) and fight the bite in your backyard with a few simple steps including the AMCA’s recommended three D’s:

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has declared June 20-26 this year’s ‘National Mosquito Control Awareness Week’. Founded in 1935, the AMCA is a scientific/educational, not-for-profit public service association dedicated to preserving the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control programs.

Co2 trapping is one of the most effective methods of dealing to these little bloodsuckers, often referred to as the vampires of the insect world. Research has shown that biting midges, like many species of mosquito, are attracted to C02.